India PC Market Soars With 46 Percent Growth in Tablet Sales

India’s PC market witnessed a notable growth in Q3 2024, driven largely by a significant surge in tablet demand. The overall PC market, including desktops, notebooks, and tablets, saw a modest 0.1% year-on-year growth, with total shipments reaching 4.49 million units. However, the real story lies in the tablet segment, which experienced a remarkable 46% year-on-year growth, highlighting a shifting trend in consumer and enterprise preferences.

Key Takeaways

• The tablet market in India grew by **46%** year-on-year in Q3 2024, driven by substantial educational tenders and consumer demand[3].
• The commercial sector led the PC market recovery with a **4.4%** year-on-year growth, while the enterprise segment saw a **9.6%** increase[3].
• India’s strong economic growth, with a real GDP surge of **8.4%** in Q3 FY 2023-24, is supporting the PC market’s potential for sustained growth[3].
• Canalys forecasts an **11%** growth in India’s PC and tablet market for 2024 and a further **15%** growth in 2025, driven by demand across commercial, SMBs, and public sectors[1][3].
• The end of Windows 10 support and the rising availability of **AI-capable PCs** are expected to boost the market, along with substantial education tenders driving the tablet market[1][3].

Tablet Market Surge: A Key Driver of PC Growth

The tablet market in India has been a standout performer in Q3 2024, with a 46% year-on-year growth. This surge was largely fueled by the completion of significant educational tenders, such as the Uttar Pradesh education tender by Samsung and Acer, which boosted the education segment significantly. Tablets priced between Rs 20,000-30,000 saw a staggering 108% year-on-year increase, indicating a trend towards premiumization in the tablet market. Apple’s iPad led the market with a 34% market share, and there was also a rapid adoption of 5G tablets, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements[3].

Commercial Sector Leads PC Market Recovery

The commercial sector has been a driving force behind the recovery of India’s PC market. The segment grew by 4.4% year-on-year, with the enterprise segment seeing a more significant increase of 9.6%. This growth is attributed to IT device refreshes, which are becoming more frequent as enterprises upgrade their hardware to meet the demands of modern technology, including the end of support for Windows 10 devices and the adoption of AI-capable PCs[3].

Economic Momentum Fuels PC Market Potential

India’s strong economic performance, with a real GDP growth of 8.4% in Q3 FY 2023-24, has provided a robust foundation for the PC market’s growth. This economic momentum is expected to support both consumer and commercial PC spending, contributing to the overall growth of the market. The positive economic indicators suggest that the demand for PCs and tablets will continue to rise as businesses and consumers invest in technology to enhance productivity and adapt to digital transformation initiatives[3].

Future Outlook: Sustained Growth Expected

Looking ahead, Canalys forecasts an 11% growth in India’s PC and tablet market for 2024, followed by a further 15% growth in 2025. The growth drivers include demand across the commercial, SMBs, and public sectors. The end of Windows 10 support and the increasing availability of AI-capable PCs are expected to be significant factors in this growth. Additionally, substantial education tenders will continue to drive the tablet market, ensuring sustained growth in this segment[1][3].

Challenges and Opportunities in India’s Evolving PC Landscape

Despite the positive growth trends, the Indian PC market faces several challenges. The desktop category has seen a decline, highlighting a shift in user preferences towards more portable and versatile devices like notebooks and tablets. The premium segment has shown significant growth, indicating market polarization where consumers are either opting for budget-friendly options or high-end devices. Adapting to these changing consumer and enterprise needs will be crucial for manufacturers. There is also a potential for innovation in AI and 5G capabilities, which could further drive the market and meet the evolving demands of the Indian consumer base[3].